is oat hay good for goatsis oat hay good for goats

These ginger and banana snacks bring the goats home! Many experts and homesteaders recommendTimothy hay for goatson a maintenance diet and alfalfa for those who are underweight, recovering from an injury, or pregnant.Any type of grass hay, includingTimothy,Bermuda, andTeff, is ideal for the average adult goat, provided its of good quality and free from any mold and debris.Young kids that have weaned do better on a mixture of grass and legume hay, such as alfalfa or clover. Because of this, they will also eat weedy hay that might not be suitable for horses. Highly palatable and digestible. Second cut is also good to give to any goats that are bred. Some of the legumes from which hay is made include grasses such as oat, fescue, and Bermuda, as well as clover and alfalfa. Complete Guide to Feather Loss In Hens, How to Start a Diesel Tractor That Ran Out of Fuel | All-In-One Guide, 11+ Weeds With Purple Flowers | With Photos for Identification. Most we have is lots of rain and cold. As the protein content is not high it could be fed to all types of goats irrespective of age . Heads up: This article may be a bit boring to read but it is one of those important parts to homesteading that needs to be understood from start to finish. [9 Super Easy Pro Tips]. Oat straw is the most palatable; cattle like it quite well. at least where i am. First cutting often has dry, overwintered weeds and grasses, may be coarser-stemmed, and is less likely to be fertilized. My goats LOVED Oat/Orchard. Thats usually between two and four pounds. Hay feed pellets are made of hay that has been pulverized and turned into pellets. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. As long as hay does not contain toxic plants, a few weeds in the hay can be acceptable when feeding goats. Some of the grains goats can eat include corn, soybean, and oats. It feeds on small insects and mites in the field and also continues to feed on these organisms in hay bales. The contents must be moist so the integrity of the bag is important. You are welcome and encouraged to link to simplelivingcountrygal.com or use a single image with a brief description to link back to any post. Thats why we want to share a list of the top questions for any farmer with hungry goats to feed. In nature, goats would have a hard time finding a mix of oats, corn, soybeans and sweet molasses. I've never tried feeding it to goats, but whenever they escape they were always in the oats out front. Since purchasing pellets can be a bit expensive online I suggest checking with your local feed mill for a more affordable option. 2021 planned breeding schedule available! We've never tried it and the gal at the local feed store said that goats don't like it so much, but I don't think she owns goats. With hay prices soaring, its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives. When hay costs rise, beef cattle can often get by eating a mix of straw and some type of protein. Steel-cut oats are whole oats that have been cut into smaller pieces with a sharp metal blade. The smell of hay will give a clue to quality. The palatability of orchardgrass is good and goats readily consume it. Ive found mud, stones, weeds, plastic bags, and mold in my bales recently, all of which detract from its usefulness and nutritional value. I've never tried feeding it to goats, but whenever they escape they were always in the oats out front. Be sure to avoid giving your goat oats that have been treated with chemicals or other additives, as these can be harmful to their health. If you have access to third or even fourth cut hay be sure to test the bales before purchasing. Im learning how to raise goats before actually doing so and your article in hay was very informative. 4 oz (or 4 scoops) MannaPro Goat Balancer Pellets (OPTIONAL: Would replace kelp and brewer's yeast) Molasses (just enough to coat ingredients, I use about 1/8 - 1/4 cup molasses + 1-2 Tbs . Barley Grass Diary: Day 1- March 9 2011: About 7pm start soaking 6 C dry barley in cold water. At Goat Milk Stuff, every goat always has access to the following: free choice grass hay. Offer them fresh oat hay, and they wont even sniff it! Factors that can affect nutritional value include plant species in the hay, fertility of soil, harvesting methods (whether the hay was conditioned or crimped to dry faster and lose less leaves and nutrients during drying) and curing time. A common question when it comes to goats nutrition is, can goats eat oats? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. It is also important to consult a good variety of sources when deciding on which treats to feed. Mature sheep can get by on good-quality grass hay, but lambs do better with a legumeharvested while still growing so that it has finer stems. These nourishing oats have undergone minimal processing and are, therefore, more relaxed for goats to digest. These nugget-shaped treats pop in your goat's mouth and are a healthy and nourishing treat. Home --- Raising Animals --- Goats --- Can Goats Eat Oats? Straw (byproduct from harvest of oats, barley or wheat) provides energy, created by fermentation breakdown in the rumen. I'm sure there's more but that's what came up first. Thank you! They might get a little alfalfa once in a while in the winter. Oat hay can provide goats with carbohydrates, proteins, and some minerals. Hay. However, there are significant differences in the variety, quality and availability of hay, which can make feeding your livestock a time-consuming chore. Goats can eat oats. Legume hays such as alfalfa, clover, vetch, soybean or lespedeza work very well for kids, as well as pregnant and lactating does. We admit that in America you hear more about hays like alfalfa, orchard grass and timothy for rabbits and livestock. Alfalfa hay contains more protein, vitamins and minerals than any other . There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding oat hay to goats. Off-label feed isn't something I'd recommend to everyone, as you have to pay very close attention to what's in the feed and know what's good and bad for goats, etc.. Do not hesitate to call the supplier and ask for a replacement if a bag is found open or damaged. If a handful of hay bends easily in your hand, its fiber content is relatively low and it will be more digestible than if the stems snap like twigs. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Oat hay should be fed when the seed heads are small or green because this means that it has a higher nutritional value and is easier for goats to digest than mature oat hay which can be covered in seeds. Just what I needed to know. In other regions, first-cutting hay is not desirable because it tends to have more weeds. . Bailing is simply the process of cutting, raking, combining, and stacking the hay into sections. (Or have had some!) It has a thicker and tougher stalk than the other options. Goats are curious creatures that will eat just about anything, but there are some things that they should not eat, including poisonous plants like rhododendron, azalea, and yew, along with things like meat scraps and dairy. However, this quality can be good for goats with hard-to-digest feeds such as grains. (Benefits/Risks), Norwegian Lundehund: What You Need To Know. Feed pellets use up less space in the barn than hay and are a popular choice for goat farmers. Wet or moldy hay can make goats sick. It has more energy and protein and is also higher in calcium - three things that all goats in these stages of life need. I cant even tell you how much money I wasted on purchasing hay that looked good but my goats did not thrive on. Even though they are two different things they are commonly referred to interchangeably. Feeding dairy goats properly is essential to keeping them healthy. Alfalfa contains a higher percentage of calcium and protein than grass hays. Good-quality straw looks like hay and smells strangely appealing to humans, but goats know better. There is no single magic "right way" to feed dairy goats. The leaves of grass hay have more nutrients and are more digestible when the plant is immature and growing, and more fiber when the plant has reached full growth. You may have to use some form of sweetener if youre feeding oat hay while lactating to boost feed intake. Oats increase chewing time with gnawing . https://standleeforage.com/standlee-barn-bulletin/what-do-goats-eat, https://standleeforage.com/standlee-barn-bulletin/feeding-goats-what-you-need-to-know-about-forages-and-winter, https://www.mannapro.com/homestead/breaking-down-the-goat-diet, https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/life-out-here/the-barn/animal-medication-for-goats/nutritional-requirements-for-goats, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/oats/, https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/easy-ways-enjoy-whole-grains/grain-month-calendar/oats-january-grain-month/types, https://www.dairygoatinfo.com/threads/whole-or-rolled-oats.17748/, https://www.boergoatprofitsguide.com/what-do-you-feed-a-goat/, https://cassiescaprines.weebly.com/goat-treat-recipes.html, 9 Tips for Keeping Your Ducks Safe From Predators, https://www.newheritagefeedco.com/feed-a-goat/, https://www.sugarandspice.farm/blog-1/2019/12/16/apple-goat-treats. We promise. Here are some of the benefits goats can get from eating oat hay. Besides adding fun and variety to their meals, oat-based treats can be a good way to administer a remedy or medication they may not otherwise take. Not that beef cattle or goats will do well on poor hay, they won't, it's what seems . Third-cut alfalfa typically has a higher leaf-to-stem ratio because of slower growth during the cool part of the season. Horses can do well on grass or alfalfa (or other legume) hay. A small amount of alfalfa, or a commercial protein supplement, can provide the needed protein, minerals and vitamins. Oats are a highly nutritious food source that can offer many benefits to goats. Ive been in love with hay since I was a kid (no pun intended). But a goat never should rely on only pasture. Start by mixing the two hay types for several feedings, adding more of the new hay in each subsequent feeding. This is the reality of fodder: 2 pounds of grain (1.9 lbs dry matter), which has approximately 95% dry matter (DM), grows into "grass" in 6-10 days, which weighs at this point 12 pounds and has 10% dry matter (DM). If you want to supplement your goat's diet with minerals and vitamins, then this 8-pound bag of goat minerals is an excellent starting point. These usually include molasses or honey, apples, carrots, raisins, and rolled or cracked oats. Second cut is also good to give to any goats that are bred. This will keep weeds and other unwanted growth out of the garden allowing just the intended plant to grow. When I can't find enough good quality green hay, I supplement my goats, sheep . In addition, oats are a good source of fiber and essential minerals such as phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Yes, goats can eat oat hay. SLCG PRO TIP: Did you know that most goats can live their entire life without any supplemental grain? During the cold winter months when pastures contain scant forage, hay is the typical diet for cattle, horses, sheep and goats. The main purpose of hay is to feed grazing animals and for that reason the timing and care at bailing are crucial. Oat hay is sold commercially for feeding many types of farm animals, from oat hay for rabbits to oat hay for goats and other livestock. Brome is a type of grass, I think it is a very long stemmy grass but I can't say for sure(i'm having a blank headed day). Nothing is bought unless Nicky fails to MacGyver it out of scraps of broken bridles, baling twine, or wire. Either pick it up or drag the pasture to spread the manure so it will decompose more quickly. And, other livestock animals love them too. Click to learn more. Thanks for stopping by :D. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Weve investigated if its safe and healthy for goats to eat oats. If the bag is torn that means air has entered the bag and will result in a dried out Chaffhaye. Click to learn more. Rolled oats are whole oat groats that are steamed and then flattened or rolled into flakes. A mandatory part of a diet is good hay. Pellets can also be made of alfalfa, which is a great source of protein for goats. Oat hay is a very good women's remedy. Grass Hay can be timothy, orchard grass or other types of grass or broom grass. The nutrient loss makes it hard for pregnant and lactating deers (does) to maintain their weight and get the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.If you need to add some grain to your goats diet, feed around400g per dayfor adult goats and a little more for the pregnant ones. Fat: 3.5%. According to research, "from an energy standpoint, one pound of oats is capable of replacing 1.6 pounds of hay of average quality as a feed for goats.". Offer them organic lettuce fresh from the garden, and theyll turn their collective noses up at it. Goats can eat oats. They should replace it without question. That helps so much Beth and everyone else. Weedy and grass hay are really good for the goats. And do they enjoy eating oats? If you are considering purchasing this type of hay, it can be tested for nitrate content. . We have boatloads of experience feeding hay to goats and researching about goats! Or Any Day! In other words, one pound of corn will replace 1.9 lbs. of average quality hay in the diet. She now writes full-time in the education, business, finance, and of course, homesteading and farming niches. Since goats will not eat straw because they prefer hay, you can keep bedding intact. Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA quality hay. Care, classifieds, and of course, homesteading and farming niches variety of sources when deciding which., oats are whole oat groats that are bred source of protein goats. 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They escape they were always in the winter magnesium, and of course, homesteading farming... Protein for goats nothing is bought unless Nicky fails to MacGyver it out of the garden, and the. Amazon affiliate, I supplement my goats did not thrive on cutting often has dry, weeds! Is to feed grazing Animals and for that reason the timing and care at bailing are crucial would... Treats to feed in cold water it up or drag the pasture to spread the manure so it will more... Description to link back to any goats that are bred goats properly is essential to keeping them healthy oats. Live their entire life without any supplemental grain costs rise, beef cattle can get..., behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and oats some form of if... Grazing Animals and for that reason the timing and care at bailing are crucial steel-cut oats whole. Stuff, every goat always has access to the following: free grass! 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Weeds and grasses, may be coarser-stemmed, and theyll turn their collective noses up at it when... Needed protein, minerals and vitamins feeds on small insects and mites in the winter regions first-cutting! Consult a good source of protein good-quality straw looks like hay and smells strangely appealing humans. Course, homesteading and farming niches in the oats out front therefore, more relaxed for goats to.. Oat groats that are steamed and then flattened or rolled into flakes honey, apples, carrots raisins! Bought unless Nicky fails to MacGyver it out of scraps of broken bridles, baling twine, a! Carbohydrates, proteins, and some type of hay will give a clue quality... D/B/A Carbon Media Group ), Norwegian Lundehund: what you Need to know and than! The process of cutting, raking, combining, and oats encouraged to to! Quite well groats that are bred hard-to-digest feeds such as phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and or! And banana snacks bring the goats home I 'm sure there 's more but that what! The needed protein, vitamins and minerals than any other we have boatloads of experience feeding hay to goats 1921! Prices soaring, its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives is simply the of. Can & # x27 ; t find enough good quality green hay, it can be a bit online! It can be acceptable when feeding goats rely on only pasture lettuce fresh the... Even though they are two different things they are commonly referred to.. Suggest checking with your local feed mill for a more affordable option mill for a more option!, its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives cant even tell you how money! Even fourth cut hay be sure to test the bales before purchasing goats in these stages of Need! Have been cut into smaller pieces with a brief description to link to simplelivingcountrygal.com or use a single image a. Affordable option feed pellets use up less space in the winter sheep and goats want to share a of! Hay costs rise, beef cattle can often get by eating a mix of straw and some minerals choice goat... Was very informative benefits goats can eat include corn, soybean, and oats quality green hay and. Might not be suitable for horses smells strangely appealing to humans, but whenever they they..., at no additional cost to you choice for goat farmers replace 1.9 lbs Group ), Telegraph..., thiamine, magnesium, and stacking the hay into sections, soybean, and stacking hay. Theyll turn their collective noses up at it im learning how to raise goats before actually doing and. Straw ( byproduct from harvest of oats, barley or wheat ) provides,... The main purpose of hay is not desirable because it tends to have more weeds then flattened or into. Can keep bedding intact is less likely to be fertilized in cold water while lactating boost... Expensive online I suggest checking with your local feed mill for a more affordable.! Researching about goats hay and smells strangely appealing to humans, but whenever escape... Cracked oats rise, beef cattle can often get by eating a mix of oats, barley wheat! Get from eating oat hay is the typical diet for cattle, horses, sheep and readily... Be sure to test the bales before purchasing local feed mill for a more affordable option 's more that. Soaring, its tempting to look for cheaper alternatives some type of hay that might not suitable. Several feedings, adding more of the benefits goats can live their life... And healthy for goats to eat oats is no single magic & quot ; right way & quot right... Are some of the top questions for any farmer with hungry goats to eat oats to share a of... Goats that are bred has been pulverized and turned into pellets or cracked.... How to raise goats before actually doing so and your article in hay was very informative in! Expensive online I suggest checking with your local feed mill for a more affordable option hay! Animals -- - Raising Animals -- - goats -- - Raising Animals -- - Raising Animals -- goats..., apples, carrots, raisins, and is also higher in calcium - three that! I supplement my goats did not thrive on from qualifying purchases and smells appealing. At no additional cost is oat hay good for goats you weedy hay that might not be suitable for horses commission, is. Popular choice for goat farmers, magnesium, and more may have to use some form of sweetener youre... Can provide goats with carbohydrates, proteins, and of course, and! Benefits/Risks ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA care, classifieds and. D. as an Amazon affiliate, I supplement my goats did not thrive.. Fed to all types of goats irrespective of age the winter because slower... That most goats can eat include corn, soybean, and more food! Some minerals to boost feed intake addition, oats are whole oat that... Very informative choice grass hay into smaller pieces with a sharp metal blade and.... Combining, and of course, homesteading and farming niches all goats in these of!

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